Clusters of tiny pearls strung together tightly about sixteen inch spikes is the only way to describe the rare,
milky
blossoms that appear on Monroe White in late summer to early fall.
This classic Liriope's
blooms
are offset by the deep green leaf blades (3/8-1/2 inch wide) that grow slightly slower than other varieties making this an excellent choice for specimen projects or for areas where you do not want anything invasive.

Lovely ebony berries (a
bird
feast!) add to the jeweled effect when flowers are spent.
This low-maintenance,
evergreen
assists with
erosion control
on
slopes
and is an excellent option for planting around
tree bases
where roots may impede other grasses.

Take note that Monroe White prefers
full shade
and well-drained soil.
As a
border,
edging or ground cover, you achieve rich depth of color, a swaying texture and elegant blossoms.

If you need the functionality of a Monkey Grass but the sophistication of an English country garden, Monroe White is the perennial for you.

Things to Note
Because Monroe White's growth rate is slightly slower than other Liriopes, you may wish to purchase more plants for faster coverage.
Be sure to use our
plant calculator
if you need help deciding how many to purchase.

Gardener Tips
We adore Monroe White in a monochromatic color scheme paired with clusters of
Lily of the Valley,
White Astilbe
and
White Coneflower.
The depth of rich green foliage contrasts beautifully with the alternating cloud-like blossoms of these flowers.

If you are considering purchasing this plant in bare root form,
please read
about bare root plants
so you know what to expect.

General information about Liriope muscari (Lily Turf):
With slim spears of foliage, Liriope muscari is not only a lush perennial, it is often a gardener’s best solution.
Perfect for banks, beds and at the
base of trees
where roots will not permit grass to grow, Liriope muscari proves virtually indestructible in stubborn areas.

Liriopes are the perfect living
border,
creating stately outlines for formal gardens, and in southern gardens, when other plants wilt, they thrive.
Of course Liriopes are famous as low-maintenance
turf substitutes,
and with the exception of
Big Blue
and
Liriope spicata
(both are
creepers),
they stay in
clumps.

We’ve narrowed down the selections for you to what we feel are some of the top varieties offering a range of color, size and superior hardiness.
Be warned, once you start perusing, you’ll find yourself wanting more than one variety. They’re just that beautiful!

Important note about bare root Liriope
Liriope is not like other perennials, it grows much slower the first year when transplanted from
bare roots
than from potted plants.
Do not expect much growth the first season after transplanting bare roots.
If you seek substantial growth the first summer after transplanting, buy potted plants.

Why all the confusion about the common names?
In 1763, the French botanist Michael Adanson described a plant (probably Liriope) that he called Mondo, which remains a common name today.

A few years later, Carl Peter Thunberg described a plant, which he named Convallaria japonica.
This species is now known as Ophiopogon japonicus.

A decade later, Portugese botanist Joao de Loureiro described and named the plant we now know as Liriope muscari.
Nearly 100 years later Joseph Decaisne described the same species as Ophiopogon muscari.

Over time there have been numerous discussions regarding these plants and the proper botanical names for them.
Today, both Liriope and Ophiopogon are treated as distinct genera.
In addition to sharing the name Mondo, the plants are also interchangably called Lilyturf and Monkey Grass.

I ordered Liriope for the second time. The first time was 2 years ago and I ordered them bare root.
This time I ordered 3 1/2 “ pots and feel this is the way to go. The plants are so much bigger and more mature. Planting in New York City street beds made... Read full review >

Plants arrived quickly and very healthy and strong. I couldn’t plant immediately but when I did, plants had remained strong and are now smiling at the sky. Excellent service, great plants and about to do my next order!! Thank you.

These plants arrived in pots. It was several days before they were planted in the flower bed. There was an excellent root system & the plants did not wilt after transferring to the ground. Am so glad that with lots of research I was able to find this plant... Read full review >

I ordered from Classy Groundcovers because I could not find the plants I wanted locally. I called because I had some questions! How refreshing!!!! What a pleasant experience in customer service! The plants arrived on the day they said they would and well... Read full review >

In northern zones where winter snow will crush the foliage, consider shearing (or mowing on high) in late fall or very early spring to avoid a period of ratty-looking dead foliage in the spring that can impede new spring growth.

Shearing in southern zones is optional, you may elect to do it just to maintain the most attractive appearance.

This plant can be susceptible to
Anthracnose, especially in southern zones.
If it develops brown spots in winter, cut the foliage back (to the ground is OK) in early spring.